Achike Udenwa: Financial Influence Corrupts Elections in Nigeria

Achike Udenwa, former Governor of Imo State, has claimed that financial influence allows politicians to buy elections in Nigeria, affecting institutions such as INEC and the military. He emphasized the shift in voter priorities away from candidate qualifications and warned of the need to halt the transactional nature of the electoral process. Udenwa also addressed the internal and external challenges facing the PDP amid ongoing political crises.

Former Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, has asserted that elections in Nigeria can be financially manipulated by politicians, suggesting that influential institutions, such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), law enforcement, and the military, can be swayed through monetary means. During an appearance on Edmund Obilo’s State Affairs podcast, Udenwa lamented the pervasive impact of money on Nigeria’s electoral landscape.

Udenwa expressed concern that public sentiment towards elections has drastically altered, stating, “Unfortunately, our society has grown to such a level where if you say vote for me, I am no longer asking what you can do… We don’t ask such questions again.” He underscored that elections can be won irrespective of the voter’s preferences, explaining that financial advantage often overrides genuine electoral processes.

When questioned about the potential for politicians to influence key bodies such as INEC, the police, and the military, he remarked, “You can buy everybody.” Udenwa lamented that the electoral system in Nigeria has devolved into a transactional affair, cautioning that it is essential to address this trend to ensure the emergence of credible leadership.

As a member of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Board of Trustees, Udenwa held the ruling All Progressives Congress accountable for exacerbating the internal conflicts within the PDP. Although recognizing the PDP’s internal issues, he contended that external factors contribute significantly to the party’s turmoil.

He stated, “There are external hands trying to destroy the PDP through internal sources,” affirming his belief that the party would ultimately prevail despite its challenges. However, he refrained from disclosing specific individuals believed to be involved in undermining the opposition.

In conclusion, Achike Udenwa, former Governor of Imo State, highlighted serious concerns regarding the manipulation of elections in Nigeria through financial resources. He critiqued the diminished focus on candidate qualifications among voters, warned against the transactional nature of elections, and pointed to external forces destabilizing the PDP. Udenwa’s observations call for a reevaluation of the electoral process to ensure better governance and integrity.

Original Source: punchng.com